A Diamond in My Pocket Read online

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  I’m still amazed at how easily my parents accepted the notion that I’m the fastest human being on the planet, heading off to train for the Olympics. Neither one of them acted normally yesterday when we met with Clara Winter.

  My father was already waiting at my mother’s office when we arrived. Ms. Winter gave a brief explanation about the Montana facility and presented paperwork for them to sign that gave their permission, along with authorization for my medical care in case of an emergency. That was it. My parents didn’t so much as blink an eye or show any signs of suspicion or doubt.

  I looked at the three adults who were making decisions that would affect the rest of my life and wondered if they were thinking of my own wishes at all. I don’t want to be an athlete. I want to be a doctor.

  When I expressed my feelings to my parents, my father said, “You’ll have plenty of time to pursue your dreams, Calli. For now, follow this road and see where it takes you. You can always come home if you change your mind.”

  Change my mind? It wasn’t my decision to go to Montana in the first place! Changing my mind would be deciding I want to stay in Montana.

  My mother said, “This is the experience of a lifetime, Calli. You never know, you might decide you want to be a doctor to professional athletes.”

  After I reluctantly agreed to go, Ms. Winter instructed me to stay at home for the night and remain indoors. She told me she would be arranging plane tickets for the two of us, hopefully for the morning.

  When I questioned her about not going outside, she said, “There’s a darker side to being a super-star athlete that I don’t think you’re ready to cope with just yet. You’ll be protected at my facility from the paparazzi. Please stay indoors, pack your bags, and spend time with your family.”

  So that’s exactly what I did. Then early this morning Ms. Winter called with the itinerary and told us where and when to meet her at the airport.